A couple of months ago, Richardsons Cycles told me that they loved how hard I have been working the past few years and appreciated my dedication and perseverance. They therefore wanted to help me with equipment and decided they would like to sponsor me.

I was over the moon to hear that and very pleased that I would get some help with some much needed bike equipment, ie shoes, helmet, tyre or at a push even some new wheels! Any of those items would be fantastic and would help release some funds for other things (ie entry fees).

But I was gobsmacked when they told me they would be sponsoring me with a BRAND NEW BIKE as well as other bits!! It was one of those moments where you either laugh or cry with joy, and I laughed so hard I started crying! It was beyond anything I could have imagined, and I still don’t know how I can thank them enough to equal what they have done for me - apart from working my butt off this year.

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On Saturday, I picked up my new bike and I am crazily in love with it! It’s so nice that I don’t want to use it in case it gets dirty – I won’t even put it in the garage with my other bikes as it is far too grand for that. It is something you see in the shop window and dream of a day when you could afford it, and now I am that person who has this amazing bike! I even got to pick the colours from a vast choice of colour options when they ordered it - I've never had that luxury before as I have always had to make do with second hand bikes (cyclists are always upgrading their carbon bikes and you can pick up a decent bike that has been looked after, but you have to put up with whatever colour they decided on at the time of buying). And this bike is quite rare - in fact there is only 1 other like it which is owned by an Australian elite Ironman athlete so it will certainly turn heads.Due to the colour and the speed of the bike I have nicknamed her 'Rocket'. Lets hope she lives up to that name and flies! My mum is happy as she can now spot me coming and have the camera ready - no more missed photo opportunities.I have this amazing, brand new bike, something I have never had before. Hopefully, it’ll help me fly on the bike course this season!

Richardsons Cycles, how can I thank you enough?! You understand the commitment I have made to my sport and the time and effort that I have put in, and I hope that I can live up to my previous achievements and promise to keep you updated on my progress this coming season. And, of course, tell EVERYONE where to go for the best bikes!

So, if you are in the need of a new bike, or need a bike service, shoes, tyres, bike clothing etc, then take a drive to Richardsons Cycles, Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea. Their service is second to none and they certainly know their stuff. They have been in the business since 1926 and have passed down through the generations. You will get a personal service from guys who have a passion for everything 'bike', ranging from mountain bikes, kids bikes, hybrids all the way up to TT bikes and road bikes. They have an awesome service and mechanical team and what they don't know about bikes isn't worth knowing about!